Chemical composition of wine

The consumption of red wine has been supported by society for many years due to its healing properties. The "Let's live to 150" message and claims that the chemicals inside it can help prevent cancer are no doubt very nice, especially to justify a glass of wine (or several), but are they true? Also, “tannins” are usually mentioned in wine circles when discussing the taste and quality of wine, but what are tannins, and what effect do they have on the quality of wine? Now we will try to clarify the situation a little.

Wine in general and grape wine in particular has an extremely complex chemical composition, numbering more than 600 organic and inorganic substances.

On average, red wine contains 86% water, 12% ethyl alcohol and about 1% glycerin. Among the organic acids in wine, lactic, citric, malic, acetic and succinic acids predominate (≈ 0.4%). Tannins and phenolic compounds make up only 0.1% - but these are what we will look at when considering compounds that contribute to the color and taste of wine.

In wine, we are primarily interested in finding flavonoids, a class of phenolic compounds commonly found in various plants. What are phenolic compounds? Phenol, the simplest example of a phenolic compound. It consists of a hydroxyl group (an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom) bonded to a benzene ring that contains six carbon atoms. The phenolic compounds in wine are somewhat more complex, but they all include several phenol units in their structure.

Four sub-classes of flavonoids are found in wine:

• anthocyanins;
• catechins (or flavan-3-ols);
• flavonols;
• tannins.

Each of these in turn contributes in some way to flavor or color. Due to differences in the huge range of compounds contained in wine, we have such diversity and uniqueness of wines.

Anthocyanins:

Anthocyanins are widely distributed in nature and are the coloring substances of plants, giving foliage, flowers, fruits and berries a variety of shades from pink to black-violet.

When processing grapes, anthocyanins are extracted from the grape skin. The color of young red and rosé wine is mainly determined by the presence of anthocyanins and their derivatives. It should be noted that the color of anthocyanins is significantly affected by the pH of the environment. Acids in wine produce a red color, but in alkaline solutions, the same substances can produce a blue color, or even green and yellow at higher alkalinity.

In wines, anthocyanin molecules undergo a wide range of reactions to form larger “complexes” that not only contribute to the red color of the wine, but also make the anthocyanins more resistant to oxidation. During polymerization, the color of the wine changes from ruby ​​red (young) to brown (old). It is due to the formation of complexes that the wine does not lose color during aging.

Aging wines leads to a decrease in anthocyanin content, which is associated not only with polymerization, but also with the formation of insoluble brown sediments. It is believed that the main reason for the precipitation of anthocyanins is their oxidation.

An important property of anthocyanins is their strong bactericidal effect. They inhibit the development of fungi and lactic acid bacteria. Unfortunately, old red wines, which no longer contain anthocyanins, lose their bactericidal properties.

Catechins:

Catechins in their pure form have a bitter, slightly astringent taste, which in oxidized and condensed catechins acquires a pleasant astringency. They mainly come into wine from grape seeds; their concentration in red wine can reach up to 800 mg/l. Catechin and epicatechin are the main flavan-3-ols found in red wine. These compounds are also found in high concentrations in tea and dark chocolate. Their health benefits also come from their antioxidant activity.

Grape polyphenols play a large role in the formation of the most important properties of wine. Thus, wines made from grapes with a high content of catechins have an excessively tart, rough taste. With a lack of these compounds, the wine acquires a so-called “empty” taste. The taste properties of wine and its color are greatly influenced by the polymerization and oxidation reactions of catechins, which occur most intensely during wine ripening. The oxidation products of catechins have a slightly astringent, pleasant taste and a golden-brown color of varying intensity, making aged wines easy to distinguish from young ones.

Flavonols:

Flavonols are similar in structure to flavan-3-ols, with only a couple of minor differences. Significantly enough, flavonols do not contribute to the bitterness of wine like flavan-3-ols. Flavonols have antioxidant properties, but research shows that they are present in red wine at too low a concentration to be considered a good source of antioxidants, at least compared to other natural sources such as yellow onions or tea. However, they help impart color to red wine by forming complexes with the previously mentioned anthocyanins.

Tannins. Tannins:

The quality of red wines depends to a large extent on the quality of the tannins. They are the soul of wine. In grapes, tannins are found in the skin, seeds and stems. The tannins in the green particles of the stalks do not have such pungency, and the tannins in the seeds are the harshest and give the wine unnecessary coarseness. Therefore, winemakers try to concentrate on extracting noble tannins from the skins of the berries. These tannins make up 20 to 30% of all tannins available. Some tannins also come from the barrels in which the wine is aged.

Grape and wine tannins are condensed tannins produced by the polymerization of several flavan molecules.

Tannins give red wine a specific taste, which distinguishes it from white wine. White wines, by the way, have much lower tannin levels than red wines, partly due to the fact that they ferment without skins or ridges. Tannins in white wines often come from wood. This explains the shorter lifespan of white wines and their lack of tart and astringent components in taste. When we drink wine, tannins interact with proteins in saliva, forming sediment, which gives us a feeling of dryness. A change in tannin concentration will also be reflected in the perceived dryness. Tannins also contribute to color by forming complexes with anthocyanins.

Tannins are a kind of “preservative” of wine, only due to their presence and long-term aging of wines is possible. Aged wines give a feeling of fullness of taste, they completely lack the excessive astringency and roughness of the bite of young wines, which are overly saturated with tannins. Therefore, if the wine is consumed young, the contact of the must with the pulp is limited.

Benefits of red wine:

Reports of the benefits of red wine began to appear more than two centuries ago. In the early 1990s, the “French paradox” was highlighted in the media, but research into the effects of resveratrol, one of the biologically active components of red wine, on the body was not widespread until the discovery in 1997 of resveratrol’s ability to prevent the development of cancer. . This fact has significantly increased the interest of scientists in the study of this antioxidant.

Doctors have long noticed that the mortality rate from heart disease in France is lower than in any other developed country. The French, compared to the Americans, eat four times more butter and three times more lard, love fatty goose liver, smoke more, and their mortality rate from heart disease is two and a half times less! This phenomenon was called the “French paradox”. Dietary studies have shown the French's relatively high consumption of fruits and vegetables, which themselves reduce the risk of heart disease, but the most important feature was the high level of wine consumption, and red wine.

Resveratrol – red wine antioxidant

Resveratrol as an antioxidant is 5 times stronger than beta-carotene, vitamin E - 50 times, vitamin C - 20 times

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is found in red wines and some other products of plant and mushroom origin. It is the most powerful natural antioxidant, surpassing beta-carotene in its activity by 5 times, vitamin E by 50 times, and vitamin C by 20 times. Intensive research was carried out, during which it was proven that this substance prolongs the life of the living creatures studied: yeast, fruit flies, worms and fish. The maximum lifespan of fish increased by 59%.

Resveratrol is produced in the skin of grapes in response to extreme factors, such as low temperatures or powerful ultraviolet exposure, and to counteract various infections, including fungal ones. Thus, resveratrol, figuratively speaking, is a reliable guardian and protector of grapes. With regular consumption of whole red grapes (and red wine) with a high content of resveratrol, as has long been noted, many diseases recede.

Resveratrol, in mouse studies, helps prevent high blood pressure (hypertension) in mice, lowers sugar levels, and also has anti-inflammatory effects.

However, it's worth noting that the levels of resveratrol present in red wine are not sufficient to produce a noticeable therapeutic effect—at least not during the nine-year study period.

In custody:

In the end, I would like to add that wine is still a drink that contains alcohol, and in order for it to provide health benefits, it does not need to be abused. Also, you should choose the wine carefully, because the information described above is only valid for natural wine made from grapes.

Many scientific studies have been devoted to the benefits of red wine; you can often find recommendations to drink a glass of red wine a day, even doctors sometimes recommend it to their patients. Is red wine healthy and what is its effect on the body? Let’s try to figure it out in this article.

Although experts do not doubt the positive effect of moderate consumption of red wine, there are still disagreements in explaining the mechanism of this effect. Thus, scientists from Uruguay, after deciphering the genome of the dark grape variety Tanna, established a high content of procyanidin (flavonoid, natural antioxidant) in it. Another study conducted at Queen Mary University of London found that the procyanidin content of Tanna grapes was 3-4 times higher compared to another famous grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Other scientists insist that red wine contains the substance resveratrol, synthesized by plants of dark grape varieties, which can inhibit the development of inflammatory processes in the body, hearing loss, aging in general, as well as senile changes in the brain, etc.

In addition, red wine belongs to the category of foods high in antioxidants. Another similar product is green tea. Antioxidants also slow down the aging process and help fight serious illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.

How is red wine made?

When it comes to whether drinking red wine is healthy, the question arises of how to obtain this drink. Red wine is made from dark grape varieties, that is, from “purple” grapes, as they are called in wine regions. It is harvested at a strictly defined time for each variety, when the ratio of sugars and acids in the berry reaches the level necessary to obtain the planned result.

It is noteworthy that in countries with a long history of winemaking, such... Like Italy and Spain, the grape harvest has its own name: in Italy it is “vendemmia”, and in Spain it is “vendimia”. Grape harvest time in the northern hemisphere is from July to October, and in the southern hemisphere from February to April.

And, although special machines for harvesting grapes have already been created, the best varieties of wine are obtained by hand picking, which is more gentle on the plant and berries. After the grapes are harvested, they are macerated and pressed, and the resulting must goes through the stages of fermentation, filtering and bottling.

Benefit for health

It is clear that the bad reputation of alcohol makes one doubt whether red wine is healthy. However, studies conducted in Europe have shown that drinking 22-32 grams of alcohol per day protects against death from many causes. A comparison of drinking wine with other alcoholic drinks proves the greater benefits of the former.

In addition, a small amount of dry red wine will reduce the harm caused to the body by smoking - a habit that definitely cannot be discussed as to whether it is beneficial. Red wine will not harm blood vessels due to its positive effect on their endothelium. Smoking impairs the ability of blood vessels to contract or, conversely, relax. Restoring endothelial cells restores this ability, including promoting normal heart function. Therefore, the answer to the question “Is red wine good for the heart?” also positive.

According to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts (USA), red wine in limited doses promotes weight loss, as it inhibits the formation of new fat cells and helps fight existing ones.

Italian researchers studied whether dry red wine is beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory gum diseases. It turned out that some components of this drink inhibit the proliferation of harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity, helping to prevent caries, gingivitis and sore throat.

Red wine can improve brain activity; more than 70 scientific studies have been devoted to this. The antioxidant properties of the drink and the reduction of blood clots in blood vessels explain its positive effects.

The University of California has proven that moderate consumption of red wine can improve your mood due to the endorphins it releases. It turned out that wine brings more pleasure if you drink it in rooms with furnishings in red and blue tones.

Red wine can reduce the risk of lung and prostate cancer, and also slow down the development of breast cancer, but you must strictly adhere to the norm.

Drinking red wine increases the proportion of “good” cholesterol, has a positive effect on vitamin C levels, and reduces allergic reactions.

How much can you drink?

The benefits of red wine can only be discussed if its consumption is limited. Is it healthy to drink red wine every day? Yes, but only if the quantity does not exceed one glass for women and two for men. In addition, this glass of wine can not be drunk at any time, but at the same time as food. It is clear that based on our lifestyle, if you work in a team, then it is better to drink a glass of wine with dinner, so as not to embarrass your colleagues with the smell of alcohol.

What is the difference between dry wine and semi-sweet and sweet wine?

The difference in wine according to the remaining sugar content explains its classification into types: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet. To obtain sweeter types, the fermentation process is artificially delayed by adding some reagents or by physical action: cooling the product at the required level of sugar content.

Is semi-sweet red wine healthy?

After discussing the question “is it healthy to drink?” Dry red wine is compared to semi-sweet and sweet red wine. If you are at risk of diabetes or already suffer from it, then there can be no question whether sweet or semi-sweet red wine is healthy. You need to choose only dry food and strictly adhere to the consumption norm.

Controversial issues

After the discovery of various beneficial components contained in red wine, scientists and doctors were inspired to create a drug based on it that could fight many diseases. However, these studies have not yet produced significant results.

In addition, when discussing whether red wine is useful for the prevention of cancer, it is necessary to remember that in addition to the beneficial components, the product contains alcohol, which can provoke the development of certain types of cancer.

You also need to take into account that the beneficial components contained in wine do not come from the skin or pulp of the berries, but from the seeds, which release them during fermentation. However, not all modern varieties are produced in such a way that the substances have time to flow from the seeds into the drink. Therefore, when discussing whether red wine is healthy, it is better to choose one prepared using traditional technologies.

Dry red wine: benefits and harm. The best dry red wines

Red wine is made from different varieties of red and black grapes. A glass of this drink can do much more than just help you relax during a date or after a difficult day at work. Especially dry red wine. The benefits and harms of such wine have long been the subject of research and debate among scientists. As with almost all products, there are supporters of both the first and second points of view.

Doctors who consider the drink healthy talk about longevity, reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol. Opponents remind us of the calories it contains, the decrease in reaction speed and the long road to the scourge of the Russian people - alcoholism.

Increased life expectancy

Researchers from Harvard Medical School confirm that resveratrol can resist aging by stimulating the production of a protein that protects the body from “age-related diseases.” This powerful plant antioxidant is found in the skin, seeds and in smaller quantities in the leaves of grapes. During the process of making wine, it remains in the drink, along with a whole collection of other, no less useful and interesting components, such as tannins, flavonoids, tannins, quercetin.

Memory improvement

A good dry red wine can improve short-term memory. After a thirty-minute test, the researchers found that participants taking resveratrol supplements showed significant improvements in word recall, as well as better hippocampal function. This part of the brain, according to modern science, is responsible for new memories, learning and emotions.

Reducing the risk of heart disease

In 2007, the results of a study were published that collected evidence to support the hypothesis that procyanidins, components found in the tannins of red wine, help support cardiovascular health. The content of these components is especially high in wines produced in the southwestern regions of France and Sardinia. People in general also live longer there.

Another study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that drinking red wine in moderation reduces the risk of heart attack.

Improves eye health

Dry red wine, the benefits and harms of which are constantly being studied, has also been noted in connection with eye health. The results of several years of research conducted in Iceland were presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Conclusions: People who drink red wine in moderation are half as likely to develop cataracts as those who drink a lot or not at all.

At the same time, by moderate drinkers we meant those who drink no more than 2-3 glasses a day and at least 2 glasses a month.

Reducing the risk of cancer

According to the findings of researchers from the University of Virginia, a component found in grape skins can destroy cancer cells. This means resveratrol. It works by blocking the development of a key protein needed by such degenerated cells.

Improved dental health

Polyphenols in wine can slow down the growth of bacteria in the mouth and potentially help prevent cavities in teeth. This is reported by a summary of observations published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (from the American Chemical Society). During the study, the bacteria responsible for tooth damage were exposed to various liquids. The wine showed quite high efficiency in the fight against them.

Reducing cholesterol

Another study conducted in Madrid proved that good dry red wine, such as Tempranillo and Rioja, can lower cholesterol levels. In healthy study participants, after consuming the components found in wine, the level of “bad” cholesterol dropped by 9%. The results of people with high cholesterol who consumed the same wine components showed a drop in cholesterol levels by 12%.

Help protect against colds

This drink is also a good defense against colds (thanks to the antioxidants it contains). Those who drink more than 14 glasses of wine during the week have a 40% lower risk of getting sick.

Is it harmful?

There are many research results that lead to the conclusion that everything that dry red wine brings is beneficial. And, however, there is harm from it too. Wine is not good for everyone. And most importantly, it is not useful in any quantity. In various publications, recommendations for the amount vary - from 50 to 200-300 grams per day. Most often you can find advice to drink no more than three glasses for men and one and a half for women.

An amount of more than 300 grams per day will no longer bring any benefit - on the contrary, the effect becomes exactly the opposite. At the same time, it is important to distinguish what kind of wine is consumed, since only a natural, good drink helps your health.

The best dry red wines

The age of wine is comparable to the age of civilization: real evidence of this is found by archaeologists in vessels with drinks made 2 thousand years ago. These are products made from rice and other components (and not dry white or red wine) - the benefits and harms of drinks with such aging cannot be assessed, because it is unlikely that anyone would risk assessing them personally. The taste is also unknown - tasters cannot try this, as it may be unsafe for health, but this find illustrates the popularity of the vine very eloquently.

In the modern world, good drinks are made in several regions of the planet - among them France, Italy, Spain, Georgia; there are excellent varieties in the USA, New Zealand and Australia, in the vast expanses of the former Soviet republics.

The best red dry wines of Georgia are “Saperavi” and “Mukuzani”. "Mukuzani" is made and is considered one of the best wines from the Saperavi grape variety. Aged for at least three years and goes great with meat. Saperavi wine is also made from the same variety (it is aged for at least a year), which, like red wines in general, goes well with meat.

Among the Spanish wines, it is worth mentioning Pingus 2006, which received top marks from wine expert Robert Parker. It goes well with meat dishes and hard cheeses, but its cost is over 1000 euros.

Unico Reserva Especial NV, Vina El Pison 2007, L`Espill, Vega Sicilia Unico 1998, Enate reserva especial 1998 are excellent dry red wines, which received reviews and high marks from famous tasters and connoisseurs.

Dry red wines of France - Chateau Bessan Segure Medoc, Chateau Grand Medoc Ferre CORDIER, Chateau Gillet Bordeaux AOC, Tour de Mandelotte Bordeaux AOC (suitable for almost anything), Premius Bordeaux AOC, Castel Bordeaux AOC (for meat or chocolate), Bordeaux Collection Privee CORDIER (perfectly combined with pates and cheeses).

By the way, French wines are divided into several quality categories, and AOC is the highest of them. These are real jewels among wines - the quality and characteristics of these drinks are controlled by a special institution (INAO).

You can’t ignore Italy - it’s one of the oldest wine-producing regions on the planet, and the drinks here are made to match the taste and quality. The best of them are assigned the DOCG category, and a slightly lower level - DOC.

The best dry red wines of this region are Barbaresco (one of the ten best wines in the world), Barolo, Chianti, Salice Salentino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Valpolicella. These are drinks that deserve (and have) the highest ratings and are a must-try for anyone who wants to taste great wine.

Produced in different regions of Italy, they are united by taste, quality and reputation in the “Top Class” category. These wines are quite capable of competing with the best products from France, Spain and other wine-producing countries.

Dry red table wine from these regions is not considered high-quality, but it tastes very good and can be safely bought for dinner or lunch.

The benefits of red wine - its beneficial properties and harm to health

Hippocrates highlighted the beneficial properties of red wine, and Louis Pasteur also spoke no less positively about the effects of wine. In many countries (particularly France), red wine is considered a national drink and is consumed by the majority of the population as a daily must-have drink.

The benefits of red wine as a natural product obtained from the fermentation of pure grape juice are undeniable. This drink contains a lot of useful, necessary and indispensable substances for health. Red wine contains micro and macroelements: potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, rubidium. Thanks to this “bouquet,” red wine has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system: dilates blood vessels, reduces the level of bad cholesterol, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, magnesium and potassium strengthen the heart muscle. Wine has an equally positive effect on blood composition, increases the number of red blood cells, increases hemoglobin levels (reduces the risk of anemia), removes radionuclides and reduces blood density.

Drinking red wine has a stimulating effect on the digestive tract: it increases appetite, enhances the secretion of glands, helps maintain normal levels of acidity in the stomach, and enhances the production of bile. Substances contained in red wine normalize metabolic processes, in particular chromium is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids (therefore, in many diets, when many foods are limited in the diet, the consumption of red wine is allowed).

Red wine is a source of bioflavonoids and antioxidants (quercetin, resveratrol); these substances not only fight free radicals and prevent premature aging of cells, they also prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the risk of developing cancer. Resveratrol has a beneficial effect on the gums, strengthens them, prevents plaque and prevents harmful bacteria (such as Streptococcus mutans) from sticking to tooth enamel.

It also has a tonic and anti-stress effect on the body. When drinking this drink, the endocrine glands are stimulated, metabolism increases, immunity increases, and sleep improves.

About the dangers of red wine

What is noteworthy is that the beneficial properties of red wine appear only when consumed in limited doses - no more than 100-150 ml per day. If the consumption rate is higher, then the harm of red wine becomes obvious. Indeed, in addition to useful substances, red wine contains alcohol, which has a destructive effect not only on the physical condition, but also on the human psyche. The tannin contained in wine can cause severe headaches.

Harm of red wine The damage to the body when consumed in excess is as obvious as the benefits when consumed in small doses. In large quantities, wine negatively affects the functioning of the liver, causes surges in blood pressure, can cause the development of hypertension, osteoporosis, and provokes the development of cancerous tumors. In addition, drinking alcohol slows down a person’s reaction, causes changes in the psycho-emotional background, and can cause the development of such severe mental illnesses as delirium.

For people suffering from ulcerative lesions of the gastroduodenal region, coronary heart disease, as well as pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and depression, drinking red wine will definitely be harmful and is completely contraindicated.

Which wine is healthier (red or white) and why?

Madeleine

Red wine is more than just a tasty drink, it's also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which have beneficial effects on heart muscle health.
Red wine contains substances that are antioxidants. Wine contains the largest amount of the antioxidant substance resveratrol. It is naturally found in the seeds and skins of grapes. During the wine making process, this substance accumulates and reaches significant amounts in the final product.
White wine also contains resveratrol, but in much less quantity than red wine, since the seeds and skins are removed at an earlier stage in the process of making white wine than in making red wine. Wine also contains the following antioxidant substances: saponins, catechins. They prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on body cells. Antioxidants also prevent the process of cholesterol oxidation and its deposition on the walls of blood vessels.
Resveratrol prevents platelets (blood cells involved in the formation of blood clots) from connecting with each other, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Ekaterina Gerasimova

Antioxidants contained in white wine are stronger than in red, but they are much less quantitatively in white than in red. Therefore, it is traditionally believed that red wine is healthier.
www.ruhealth.ru/enoterapiya.doc here is a very interesting article about the treatment of various diseases with wine, sometimes white is healthier.

Julia

Wine, like any other alcoholic beverages, cannot be good for health. Any amount of alcohol, in addition to being a foreign substance for the body, also dulls the clarity of the mind, reduces the speed of thinking and reaction speed. What's the use?

Yaroslav Popov

of course red, because The wine turns red due to the fact that it ferments along with the grape skins remaining after squeezing the juice. From the skin, biologically active substances that are extremely beneficial for the body get into the wine, which color the wine red. Of course, the grapes should be red, not white. If the juice of red grapes ferments without the skins of the berries, then the result is not red, but white wine. Of course, dry wine is the healthiest. Drink it every day, following two rules: no more than 300 grams per day and drink exclusively during meals, and take the first sip of wine no earlier than the middle of the meal, when there is already food in the stomach, this will avoid stress on the liver, because. ethyl alcohol contained in wine is digested not only in the liver, but also in the stomach.

Marina

Dry white wine is lighter, but red wine is better at breaking down fats from food. That is why it is better to drink fatty foods with dry red wine. White table wines have significant diuretic properties, relieve fatigue, and are useful for weakened cardiac activity. Red table wines help remove radionuclides from the body (especially Cabernet), are useful for anemia, and prevent thrombosis, which in four out of five cases is the cause of strokes. Wine has not only bactericidal, but also hematopoietic properties, since, unlike white wine, there is almost no residual sugar. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetics and people of heavy build. For indigestion, red wines such as Saperavi and Cabernet are recommended. Red wines are generally healthier than white wines, as they contain more healing substances. Wine also has antioxidant properties, which protects against many diseases, including cancer.

Which wine is healthier - red or white?

Madeleine

The French say that red wine is created for health and pleasure, pink - for love, and white wine - to quench thirst. :-))
Studies have shown that red wine has a significant beneficial effect on poor human health. In 1998, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of the following experiment: several volunteers drank half a bottle of red wine every day for two weeks, while another group of people from among these volunteers drank the same amount. White wine. The amount of antioxidants recorded in the volunteers' blood plasma peaked within half an hour or so after they drank red wine and lasted for another 2-4 hours. Consumption of white wine had no effect at all.



White wine made from skinned grapes does not contain resveratrol. It is believed that resveratrol is the cause of the so-called “French paradox” (high consumption of fatty foods and low rates of heart disease) in conditions of moderate consumption of red wine.
White wine is not as dense as red wine. The taste of white wines contains berry and fruit tones. These are the drinks that quench your thirst well. To quench your thirst in the heat, there is a recipe using white wine. To do this, chilled white wine is diluted with the same amount of cold water and an ice cube is added.
On the other hand, it cannot be said that white wine has absolutely no benefits for human health. According to the “Code of Enotherapy” by the French doctor Eylo, drinking light white wines is useful for maintaining the heart muscle, and dry white wines, again with mineral water, will help with atherosclerosis. In addition, dry white wines with an alcohol content of less than 12% are recommended for metabolic disorders, stomach diseases and anemia. White wine is also called “light for the lungs.” A study conducted by the University of Buffalo found that drinking white wine is good for your lungs. The results were presented at a meeting of the American Thoracic Society, where scientists announced that drinking white wine improves lung function.
Regardless of whether the wine is red or white, its aging period does not affect health benefits in any way. Over the years, only the price increases, and not the amount of vitamins or flavanoids. If we talk about red wine used for treatment, then first of all we mean dry red wine. And, preferably, young. Semi-sweet varieties, and especially fortified ones, are less healthy.

Ponomarev Viktor

Red. The difference is that white is obtained by fermenting grape juice. All components of the berry are involved in the production of red wine: skin, pulp, seeds. Accordingly, more nutrients are transferred into the drink. Of course, if the wine is real grape: “fruit-bearing” is often tinted.

Unknown

British biochemists have shown that red wine has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Scientists believe that the healthiest red wines are produced in southwestern France and the Sardinian province of Nuoro.

Olga Ivanova

Red wine contains more antioxidants, but in white they are smaller in size, penetrate the body tissues more easily and therefore act more effectively. Red wine contains more beneficial substances, especially those made from well-ripened grapes with thick skins. Similar wines include: French Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chilean wines, Cahors. Resveratrol, a substance that increases life expectancy, is most abundant in red Bordeaux wine, Burgundy Pinot Noir, and Italian wine from Valpolicella.
It is precisely because wine is a good anti-stress remedy that many begin to abuse it.
“The first cup belongs to thirst, the second to joy, the third to pleasure, the fourth to madness.”

Inna Lee

Some people prefer red wine, others prefer white. It's a matter of taste. Which wine is healthier? Scientists have found the answer to this question.
From a scientific point of view, not all wine is equally beneficial for the body. Research shows that red wine has a significant beneficial effect on poor human health. In 1998, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of the following experiment: several volunteers drank half a bottle of red wine every day for two weeks, while another group of people from among these volunteers drank the same amount. White wine. The amount of antioxidants recorded in the volunteers' blood plasma peaked within half an hour or so after they drank red wine and lasted for another 2-4 hours. Consumption of white wine had no effect at all.
Scientists also found that red wine significantly reduces the production of endophelin-1 protein in the body, an excess of which leads to atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. White wine has no effect on the amount of endophelin-1. Among 23 varieties of red wines, the most effective were those that contained the largest amount of so-called polyphenols. In particular, these are wines made from cabernet and sauvignon grape varieties.
It is believed that the amount of anthocyanin dyes contained in 200 g of red wine will fully satisfy a person’s daily need for vitamin P, which helps absorb ascorbic acid. There is very little of this vitamin in ordinary foods, although it is extremely important for metabolic processes.
The reason for such a fundamental difference in the properties of white and red wines lies in production technology. The fact is that grape skins release their beneficial substances into red wines. Whereas I make white wines exclusively from grape juice with pulp.
The French say that red wine is created for health and pleasure, rose for love, and white wine for quenching thirst. Therefore, white wine should be drunk in those months of the calendar whose names do not have the letter “r”: May, June, July and August. Summer is the time for this golden light drink. It is not for nothing that white wine is usually served chilled to 6-8° C, and high-quality white wine - to 4-6° C.
White wine is not as dense as red wine. Summer wines have higher acidity, lower tannins, and therefore are not as tart. The taste of white wines contains berry and fruit tones. These are the drinks that quench your thirst well. Sauerkraut - health benefits and harms; Raspberries - health benefits and harms; which fish is the healthiest for humans?

Today, there is a whole list of products about which controversy continues, and we almost constantly hear a lot of conflicting reviews, either that these products are incredibly healthy, or that such products absolutely cannot be eaten even in small quantities. Actually, one of these extremely controversial products is the famous red wine.

In any case, I would like to draw attention to the fact that in order for high-quality red wine to ultimately bring only benefits, it is advisable to consume it in moderation. “Moderate” means no more than 50 grams (that’s about three tablespoons) per day.

Many have heard and know that good quality red wine can be very beneficial. It is believed that red wine can be consumed in moderation to improve the overall metabolism in the body, as well as to normalize salt metabolism. And, nevertheless, there are always people who see in this drink only a huge harm to health. We suggest trying to understand this issue.

How can high-quality red wine be useful?

High-quality red wine contains many substances that are powerful antioxidants. Moreover, high-quality red wine contains the greatest amount of a unique antioxidant substance called resveratrol. Directly in nature, this substance is also found in seeds (seeds) and simply in the skins of grapes. But in the process of properly making red wine, this substance actively accumulates and eventually reaches quite a significant amount, meaning in the final product (red wine).

Undoubtedly, white wine varieties also contain the antioxidant resveratrol, but in much smaller quantities than red wine, and that’s because in the process of preparing white wines, the seeds and the same grape skins are removed in the early stages.

In addition, red wine also contains large quantities of substances with antioxidant effects called saponins and catechins. Such substances can prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on the human body. These antioxidants, among other things, can actively prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, and therefore prevent its deposition directly on the walls of our blood vessels.

Today it is believed that French-made wines contain the largest amount of beneficial antioxidants. Recent research by scientists has shown that in those parts of modern France where it is customary to consume fatty foods in fairly large quantities, washed down with red wine, the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases is several times lower than in other areas with a similar diet.

World scientists have proven that high-quality red wine can even prevent cancer. And you can also thank resveratrol for this. And that’s all, because this substance, being a powerful antioxidant, has a unique ability to prevent the development of cancer tumors, and even interfere with the rapid development of existing tumors. It has been observed that in some special cases this substance is capable of almost completely destroying existing cancerous formations.

This is explained by the fact that thanks to resveratrol, the real possibility of numerous DNA mutations (which usually occurs as a result of the negative effects of free radicals on the body) can be minimized. Resveratrol also promotes the rapid death of cancer cells and actively prevents the formation of the smallest blood vessels directly around the tumor, which are designed to deliver the necessary nutrients to the tumor. Naturally, this important substance actively prevents the development of cancer metastases.

Scientific research also confirms the ability of red wine, or rather the substances it contains, to significantly thin the blood. Again, thanks to resveratrol, which simply prevents existing platelets (special blood cells that are directly involved in the formation of dense blood clots) from actively connecting. In fact, red wine can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It is impossible not to notice that resveratrol, which is part of red wine, is an excellent phytoestrogen. As a result, this substance can have an effect on the human body similar to the effect of estrogen hormones. In addition, among doctors there is a certain assumption (which has not yet been scientifically confirmed) that the same resveratrol can have the most beneficial effect on those patients who have diseases associated with extremely low levels of the hormone estrogen in their body.

Beneficial substances contained in red wine

Of course, high quality red wine is rich in vitamins and microelements. The microelements contained in red wine include: manganese, titanium, and magnesium. This wine contains a certain amount of iodine, cobalt, potassium, phosphorus, and rubidium (and it is rubidium that is designed to strengthen our nervous system).

The vitamins that make up red wine include: vitamins C and B, vitamin PP, and numerous acids, many esters and aldehydes. Most of the previously listed substances can perfectly tone the human body and even reduce high blood pressure.

Some other unique substances were also found in red wine. Namely, these are anthocyanins that color wine. These substances have antibiotic properties.

In addition, elements were found in red wine that act as so-called traps for certain harmful molecules that are constantly formed in the body of every person during everyday nutrition.

As a result, moderate consumption of red wines strengthens our arteries, significantly reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, and even counteracts the development of cardiovascular diseases. Drinking wine slows down the aging process of our tissues. Red wines, even in older people, significantly increase vitality.

One important point should also be noted - all the above-described properties and beneficial substances are inherent exclusively in natural, high-quality red grape wines. The described properties do not apply at all to other alcoholic drinks, even the weakest ones.

Such drinks may well have certain beneficial qualities, however, such drinks should certainly not be confused with high-quality red wine.

Harm from drinking red wine

The vast majority of doctors are convinced that it is not so much red wine that can cause harm, but rather its excessive amount. Indeed, red wine can bring maximum benefits to a person only when high-quality wine is drunk directly with meals and in moderation.

Definitely, you shouldn’t even think that if red wine is healthy and has a lot of valuable substances, then such a drink can be consumed daily in unlimited quantities.

Modern medicine believes that the risks of causing certain damage to human health increase significantly with daily consumption of red wine in an amount of about 500 grams (even half of the indicated dose may be sufficient for women).

Excessive, uncontrolled consumption of red wine by a person can lead to dangerous disturbances in the activity of the heart muscle, liver, and, of course, to mental disorders.

Without a doubt, the main disadvantages of high-quality red wine can be associated solely with the content of a certain proportion of alcohol in this drink. However, even moderate consumption of red wine can lead to headaches. Such pain is caused by a special substance that is part of wine. We are talking about a substance called tannin. Let us remember that this substance gives the wine its beautiful red color, as well as the sharpness of the resulting taste.

Tannin is found directly in the skins of high-quality grapes. But whether you will feel such headaches after drinking wine or not depends on the sensitivity of your body specifically to tannin. Actually, how severe such a headache can be will depend on individual susceptibility.

One cannot help but mention the calorie content of red wine. After all, 125 milliliters of red wine usually contains about 80 calories. Many will say that this is not much at all. However, you will agree that this is a very weighty argument leading to the reasonable consumption of wine.

It should be noted that red wine consumed in excessively large quantities (say, more than 50 grams per day) can significantly slow down reactions and reduce a person’s concentration. As a result, all this may well lead to a wide variety of accidents or dangerous incidents, especially when driving on roads.

The main threats to human health are associated with the negative effects of alcohol. Although it cannot be said that only red wine has this effect on the human body. Of course, in this case we are talking about any drink containing alcohol. So, the most dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol are:

• Development of liver cirrhosis.
• A sharp increase in pressure.
• Development of various forms.
• Development of cancerous tumors in the stomach.

The most important thing I would like to note about red wine is that it is a drink that requires strict control and moderation in consumption. And only in this case will red wine bring exceptional benefits to the human body.

Opinion about this alcoholic drink as a health product is still divided. Supporters cite as arguments facts about the healing properties of wine, which are known to science. Dry Cahors, for example, is used in church rituals of communion; it is able to strengthen blood vessels and fight heart pathologies. Opponents - representatives of official medicine - are wary of this type of therapy, but admit that some people can benefit from drinking a little wine.

Which wine is good for health?

The positive qualities of the drink largely depend on the production method and the components of the drink. Red wine is made from a dark grape variety, which is called “purple” in wine regions. It needs to be collected at a certain time of the year (each variety has its own) so that the ratio of acids and sugars in the berries on the vine is at the required level. Only by following these rules will you get the desired result.

In Spain and Italy, the collection period is called "vendemmia" or "vendimia". In the southern hemisphere, the harvest is harvested from February to April, and in the northern hemisphere, from July to October. There are special machines that collect grapes, but to obtain elite varieties of wine, everything is still done by hand, carefully picking each berry. The harvest is then macerated and pressed to produce a must that goes through the following steps:

• fermentation;
• filtering;
• bottling.

Chemical composition

The beneficial properties of wine appear only with moderate consumption. The drink is high in calories and is easily absorbed by the body. One liter of dry wine contains 700 kcal. Dessert wines containing sugar contain more calories. Among the most valuable substances in this alcohol, valuable for the body and having biocatalytic properties, are organic acids. It also contains:

• compound of nitrogen and phosphorus;
• pectin substances;
• glycerol;
• sugar;
• potassium salts;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• vitamins;
• radioactive substances;
• rare elements.

It has been proven that tartaric acids have high bactericidal properties. Organic acids in wine are present in a bound or free state, and mineral acids are present in slightly smaller quantities. In addition to the listed organic components (succinic, acetic, malolactic, tartaric acid), wine contains more than 20 amino acids that are beneficial for the health of the human body. The composition contains a lot of amine nitrogen (almost 245 mg/l), which corresponds to the daily minimum.

Strength and sweetness of wine

Before drinking any alcohol, you should know its strength, and in the case of wine, also its sweetness. This is necessary for all people who would like to understand the varieties and consciously choose a drink. The alcohol content is measured as a percentage of the total volume of liquid. Each variety has its own characteristics:

• sherry – up to 24%;
• dry and semi-dry – 9–12%;
• fortified and dessert – 15–18%;
• semi-sweet – 18–22%

Health benefits of dry red wine

If you take this type of alcohol correctly, you can achieve a positive effect on the body. First make sure that you do not have any general contraindications for drinking alcohol. If there are none, then wine will help you get the following beneficial effects:

1. Strengthening the cardiovascular system. The elasticity of the vessel walls increases due to procyanides. These are special substances found in wine tannins. Moderate consumption of dry red wine reduces the risk of a heart attack (this has been proven by scientists).
2. Antioxidant action. The beneficial effect is achieved due to the content of flavonoids in the drink (found in grapes). There are more of them in red varieties; the most active antioxidants are quercetin, resveratrol, and catechin. These substances help neutralize free radicals in the body, which provoke immune dysfunction, strokes, heart disease (heart attack), some types of cancer, and degenerative disorders.
3. Improved brain function. The properties of short-term and long-term memory are improved. The beneficial effect of the drink extends to those areas of the brain that are responsible for emotions and the ability to learn (perceive new information).
4. Reducing bad cholesterol levels. In healthy people, the decrease in the indicator after drinking wine reached 9%. Those who had cholesterol problems saw a reduction of up to 12%.
5. The risk of age-related cataracts is reduced and visual acuity improves.
6. The risk of developing caries is reduced and the condition of the oral mucosa is improved. Wine helps destroy bacterial flora that negatively affects the microflora of the oral cavity.

Beneficial properties of white wine

Some people prefer other types of drink. The benefits of white wine have also been studied by scientists; a number of beneficial properties help fight certain ailments. The positive qualities are as follows:

1. Antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Using this alcohol, you can disinfect water, destroy the causative agents of cholera, typhus, and other bacteria and microbes. Warmed wine is prescribed for colds as an antiviral agent.
2. Prevention of infectious diseases. Dry white wine helps treat gastrointestinal disorders. The drink prevents hepatitis A and prevents infection with the 5 main strains of influenza.
3. Reducing stress hormone levels. Nutrients reduce the likelihood of developing depression and improve mood.
4. Prevention of Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis. The drink improves thought processes, strengthens memory, and helps absorb nutrients from food. Due to the production of lipoproteins, which increase the content of “good” cholesterol, the likelihood of cardiovascular pathologies and atherosclerosis is reduced. It is important that the desired effect will only be achieved when using a natural product, and not tinted wine powder.

Why wine is good for women

For the fair sex, this drink is valuable because of its pleasant taste and natural sleeping pills. This is the first positive effect - the fight against insomnia, from which no person is immune at any age. The following benefits of red wine for women have been proven:

1. Slowing down the aging process. The beneficial substances and microelements from the drink help resist cellulite and cleanse the skin. Cosmetologists recommend taking a bath with one bottle of alcohol added to the water. The result will be immediately noticeable: the skin will become more “alive”, take on a fresh look, be young and smooth.
2. Dry wine for weight loss. One of the positive properties is the normalization of the nervous system thanks to the sleep hormone melatonin. This makes it easier to tolerate diet and exercise while losing weight.
3. The drink is low in calories, and the composition suppresses the production of substances that lead to obesity. The components are also involved in the fat burning process.

Which wine is healthier, white or red?

There are minor differences between these varieties, but both will be useful if you follow two simple rules:

1. You bought a natural product that was prepared from pure raw materials using the correct technology, and it is not a wine substitute.
2. Moderate consumption in the prescribed dosage, and not whole liters every day.

The benefit of red wine lies in its slightly higher content of resveratrol (a natural antioxidant), but it is also present in white wine. Red varieties have a little more potassium and magnesium, and lutein is also present (provides color to the drink), which is not present in white varieties. The latter, as a rule, are weaker in degrees, therefore safer for health. There are no other noticeable differences, so if you drink 1-2 glasses you won’t notice the difference. The choice is often based on taste preferences.

Usage rate

Scientists emphasize that it is beneficial to drink wine only in limited quantities. It is recommended to drink from 100 to 150 ml of the drink per day. If you exceed the norm, alcohol will begin to have a negative effect on the body. It changes the mental state, can cause headaches (migraines), and has a detrimental effect on the liver. If consumed in excess, wine causes the following negative reactions:

• pressure surges;
• development of hypertension;
• development of cancer;
• slower reaction;
• changes in psycho-emotional background;
• development of severe mental pathologies.

It is not news that among peoples who regularly drink wine there are quite a lot of long-livers. This is precisely what some individuals justify their passion for alcohol. What wine is good for health and what exactly you can find out from the researchers of this product.

Which wine is healthier - white or red?

Natural grape wine contains many active biological substances and compounds. The antibacterial properties of wine were one of the first to be discovered - people noticed that if you drink it when you have a cold, recovery occurs faster. On long hikes, wine was added to the water and drunk without fear of gastrointestinal upset.

If you are trying to figure out which wine is the healthiest, you should look at the composition. White contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as caffeic acid. Thanks to these components, white wine is very useful for colds and bronchitis - it thins phlegm and relieves coughs, strengthens the body's immune defense.

In addition, doctors recommend drinking white wine to people who are interested in the answer to the question of which wine is good for the heart. Despite the fact that red wine strengthens blood vessels, some of its components can cause palpitations and even tachycardia, which are certainly dangerous in the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Red wine is a source of many active substances: antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other compounds. Due to its rich composition, red wine is useful for lung diseases, high cholesterol, reduced immunity, anemia, stomach diseases, and also for the prevention of caries. Catechins and enzymes contained in red wine promote the breakdown of fats, so it is better to drink heavy meals with them.

One of the most valuable components of red wine is resveratrol. According to researchers, this antioxidant prevents the development of cancer and is even capable of eliminating existing cancer cells. In addition, resveratrol has antimutagenic properties.

Which wine is healthier, dry or semi-sweet?

The difference between dry wine and sweet and semi-sweet wine is the complete absence of sugar, which is completely processed during fermentation. Dry wine contains a minimum of carbohydrates, so it may be allowed on some diets for weight loss.

Meanwhile, researchers have proven that sweet, semi-sweet and dessert wines contain more organic acids, which protect the body from toxins, improve immunity and are very useful for beauty and prolongation of youth.

What are the benefits of dry red wine?

Dry red wine can be very beneficial for humans. Of course, with moderate use (for example, one glass during dinner). Even the great Hippocrates used red wine as an antiseptic, diuretic and sedative. Modern scientists have also identified and proven numerous healing properties of dry red wine.

Dry red wine contains a considerable amount of elements that are essential for the health and life of people. First of all, amino acids and chemicals necessary for the normalization of metabolism, development, growth and protection of cells. In addition, red wine contains magnesium, which stimulates the work of the heart muscle; iron, which helps prevent anemia; chromium, which promotes the synthesis of fatty acids; zinc, which normalizes acidity; rubidium, which removes radioactive elements from the body.

Using red wine for medicinal purposes

Due to its high content of nutrients, red wine is actively used for medicinal purposes. It supports cardiac activity, dilates blood vessels, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, and lowers cholesterol levels. If you drink red wine regularly, it will gradually remove harmful substances from the blood vessels.

Dry red wine, containing a lot of tannins, helps with gastrointestinal disorders and helps eliminate toxic substances from the body.

Mulled wine (a drink made from hot red wine) is good for treating colds, flu and even pneumonia. Red wine improves blood formation. In addition, wine increases appetite, normalizes metabolism (which, in turn, helps normalize weight), and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dry red wine normalizes sleep and slows down the aging process. It helps prevent cancer, treats caries and gum disease.

Moderation is the key to health

At the same time, it is necessary to observe the limit when drinking wine: no more than two or three glasses a day for men and no more than one and a half glasses for women. Ideally, one glass during dinner is enough. In addition, it must be remembered that only natural, high-quality wine from ripe red grapes brings health benefits. Similar wines include French Cabernet, Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. The latter, by the way, is a kind of “elixir of youth.”

However, the abuse of any wine, even the highest quality, will do more harm than good, turning its healing properties into harmful ones. It doesn’t hurt to listen to the French (and they are known to be great wine connoisseurs), who joke that wine can cure all diseases, except alcoholism.

Wine - harm and benefits of drinking a natural drink

“To drink or not to drink?” We often ask this question, not thinking about philosophy at all, but solely about our health. On the one hand, wine, although a divine drink, is still alcoholic. And alcohol is harmful. On the other hand, the French drink a couple of glasses every day and feel great. And at the same time, people die less often from heart attacks.

What is the truth in grape nectar? Benefit or harm? Doctors and scientists did not come to a consensus, but they conducted research and established the facts. And these facts are as follows: good wine in small doses is healthy! Of course, it is important not to overdo it: moderation is the main key to health. In addition, you need to understand that there are different types of wine. Only real, “correct” grape wine is truly useful. But first things first.

The benefits of wine

It has been established that wine contains many useful elements: organic acids, antioxidants, vitamins B and C, tannins, as well as magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, selenium, iodine, zinc and others. The presence of these substances important for health explains the benefits of wine. The “friendly company” of microelements has a positive effect on the body: it stimulates metabolism, strengthens the immune system, relieves fatigue, increases tone, and helps to better absorb fatty foods.

This grape drink has antitoxic and astringent properties, so it is useful in the treatment of certain intestinal disorders. A small amount of drink at night will serve as a cure for insomnia - wine contains melatonin, the so-called “sleep hormone”. And this is not a complete list!

Which one is healthier?

Health benefits will only come if you consume natural grape nectar from trusted producers. Chemicals and dyes that are part of surrogate wines can cause serious harm to the body.

According to research results, the most beneficial drink is red dry.

The benefits of red wine

The benefits of red wine were known in ancient times; it was not without reason that it was considered the drink of the gods. They wrote poems about him, worshiped the gods of winemaking and made sacrifices. The “father of medicine,” Hippocrates, considered red nectar a cure for many diseases and compared its healing properties to honey. Modern research also confirms the benefits of the red drink.

It has been proven that dry red wine:

• strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves blood circulation, thereby reducing the likelihood of heart attacks and heart attacks (according to some data, by 30-50%);
• dilates blood vessels, reduces blood pressure;
• increases hemoglobin levels;
• has antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties;
• reduces the likelihood of cancer;
• improves sleep;
• lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of strokes;
• stimulates intestinal activity;
• strengthens the immune system;
• removes toxins from the body;
• reduces the risk of caries and tartar, as well as gum disease.

According to scientists, the benefits of this drink will be maximum if consumed during meals.

Red wine as a fountain of youth

Incredible but true: dry red wine prolongs youth!

The skin of dark grapes contains a biologically active substance - resveratrol, a powerful natural antioxidant. Thanks to its special properties, drinking red dry drink significantly reduces the risk of cancer. Moreover, resvertarol has been proven to have an anti-aging effect. It has a beneficial effect on the skin, increases its tone, and promotes collagen production.